Angelina Jolie was honored at the 2024 Torino Film Festival, receiving the prestigious Stella della Mole prize on November 24 in Turin, Italy. The acclaimed actress, director, and humanitarian also showcased her latest film, Without Blood, during the festival.
Jolie not only directed but also co-produced and wrote the film, which features a talented cast including Salma Hayek, Demián Bichir, Juan Minujín, Jorge Antonio Guerrero, and Patricio José. Without Blood is adapted from Alessandro Baricco’s novel of the same name and explores the lasting effects of war on individuals.
The film tells the story of Nina, portrayed by Hayek, who confronts her traumatic past when she unexpectedly encounters Tito (Bichir), the man responsible for her father’s murder during her childhood. Their meeting unfolds in a café where they engage in a deep conversation about their shared history and the scars left by violence.
Jolie’s film continues her examination of war’s impact, following her previous works such as In the Land of Blood and Honey and First They Killed My Father. Critics have noted that Without Blood serves as a reflective conclusion to her trilogy on conflict. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this year and has received mixed reviews from critics.
Despite its ambitious themes, some reviews suggest that the film struggles with pacing and depth. However, Jolie’s direction captures poignant moments that highlight the emotional weight of trauma. The festival’s audience celebrated Jolie’s contributions to cinema and her commitment to addressing complex social issues through her work.
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